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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Alu Ki Tikki (Potato Patties) - Kalakho and Camel Caravans

Alu Ki Tikki.

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...There are two Indias. One is modern and vibrant, the other is mired in poverty and tradition. My first real exposure to the dichotomy came while visiting a farm village outside the town of Kalakho in the state of Rajasthan. The villagers invited us into their homes and the men entertained us with local music and dancing. While much of what we saw was well orchestrated showmanship, the journey to and from local villages gave some insight into what was really happening in these remote areas of the country. We traveled in camel caravans and the slow pace made close observation possible. Despite best efforts by the government, much work still needs to be done. Women here are little more than chattels and a headcount while at a local school confirmed an unintended male bias. Old ways die very hard, yet these people do not seem to be unhappy. Television, with its exposure to undreamed of freedom and material goods, has not reached their villages and they remain a serene and patient people, seemingly lost in another century. I don't know how much longer that can last.

In the midst of all that, we were housed in a lovely resort that overlooked a monsoon lake. Our meals were regular and delicious and I brought several recipes home with me. These potato patties were part of our breakfast buffet each morning. They are a simple mix of seasoned potatoes, combined with peas and spices, that is held together with chickpea or all-purpose flour. Despite their appearance they really are delicious. Here's the recipe.

Directions:1) Cover potatoes with cold water, add salt and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Then turn heat down to a simmer and let cook until soft enough to mash, about 15 minutes or so. Drain potatoes and return to pot.2) Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a saute pan. Add onions, ginger and pepper flakes. Saute until soft. Add salt, cumin, coriander, turmeric and cook for a few seconds longer.3) Mash potatoes. Gently fold in peas, onion-spice mixture, chickpea flour and lemon juice.4) Using a 1/4 cup measures, form into patties.5) Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet. When hot, add patties and cook until a deep golden brown, turn and continue cooking until reverse side is golden. Remove and drain on several layers of paper toweling. Serve warm or at room temperature with tomato or mint chutney. Yield: 12 to 14 patties.

49 comments
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Wonderful pictures! Again, all the vibrant color amid such poverty. I adore potato patties, and often make them the lazy way, out of leftover mashed potaotes, dipped in flour and egg. I actually think this picture looks very good, I am a carb addict!

Heard about the two Indias. It must be heartbreaking seeing the poverty side of India. We just have to keep on praying that at least they will stay healthy and away from hunger. The potato patties looks delicious. I love potatoes and spicy Indian food is one of my favourites. Thank you for sharing the potatoes and also your photographs along with the interesting stories behind them.

Sometimes it's hard to imagine a place that has not been touched by television and iPods and computers, since we are so inundated with it in our own lives.Thanks for sharing your wonderful experiences and of course all the yummy regional foods. The potato patties look wonderful!

I've been on a camel in Egypt and it was such a funny moment. It sounds to us so strange not to have access to utilities we enjoy. Nevertheless, i don't know if this makes them less happy than we are. Your patties look very crunchy and perfectly shaped.

I have a few questions that Ginny failed to ask = ).Is the little cart for those who did not want to ride a camel? Do I spy you in one of the photographs? Is that a true "pond" that the camel is standing beside or a mirage? The alu ki tikki looks delicious. I think that Indian cuisine is at it's best with vegetables.

Mary you are posting some classic North Indian recipes and in a very authentic way. My husband hails from Rajasthan, although he grew up in a different state. We are yet to see most of the state in its palatial elegance and poverty as you have said. so true. With 2 little kids we do not get a long enough holiday to explore. You seem to have done so much more than us.

Hi Mary, I haven't been by in awhile but I'm glad I checked back in with you. You post such creative recipes here! The photos of India are beautiful and some interesting information to go with them. Hope you're having a nice week, Patty

What a fascinating trip you've had, Mary. One of my favorite books is A PASSAGE TO INDIA, and I just can't imagine being able to be there. They are truly the most polite nation of people I think I've ever seen, or at least all of the Indians I have encountered in the States and online are.

Thanks for sharing part of their culture with us and for sharing this recipe in particular.

I was told by a cousin who visited India a few years ago the same thing you are saying, basically that despite their poverty people are accepting of their lot in life and have serenity. Wow! I am sure these potato patties are delicious, love spices and potatoes. Will try it soon.

elpi, I wanted to welcome you here. I can't post on your blog, but didn't want you to think I was ignoring you. I hope you return to read this comment. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

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